Convertible electrical device cover and method for installing same

ABSTRACT

A convertible electrical device cover including a base plate and an adapter plate that are both configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of the base plate. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of a base plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] This invention generally relates to covers for electricaldevices, and more specifically relates to a convertible electricaldevice cover and method for installing same.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] Electrical devices used in conjunction with electrical deviceboxes vary and include electrical outlets (both standard and groundfault current interrupts), light switches (both toggle and rockerplates), rounds, and cable television and/or telephone ports.Conventional covers for electrical device boxes are designed to try andprevent inadvertent access to the electrical conductive elements ofelectrical devices and to hide associated wiring. Each type ofelectrical device requires different dimensioned access openings in acover to accommodate it. However, conventional covers usually arenon-convertible in their design, and therefore, each electrical devicerequires a different type of conventional cover configured for it.Moreover, conventional covers usually are not capable of use with bothsingle-gang and/or double-gang electrical device configurations. Thus,to install or service electrical devices, an electrician must carryseveral types of conventional covers to each site, which are timeconsuming and inefficient to install.

[0005] Another problem currently facing conventional covers may involvesafety issues. For safety, the electrical device should at least beflush with access openings in plastic covers, and the electrical deviceshould protrude through access openings in metal covers. Manyconventional covers and related cover assemblies may be unsafe based onthis fact. For example, some cover assemblies are designed to have abase separate an insert from the electrical device. Such a coverassembly may be unsafe if the thickness of the base is too great, theelectrical device may not protrude far enough to be flush with or extendthrough the plastic or metal cover access openings respectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, what is needed is an electrical device cover thatovercomes the drawbacks of conventional non-convertible covers, such asthe inability of safely protecting electrical devices in varyingorientations and in a variety of styles and sizes, through a cover thatmay interchangeably and safely accommodate virtually all commonlyencountered electrical devices used in conjunction with electricaldevice boxes. The invention has the advantage of being able to solvethese problems through a convertible electrical device cover that isadaptable to safely accommodate a plurality of electrical devices in aplurality of orientations.

[0007] The convertible electrical device cover includes a base plateconfigured to safely accommodate an electrical device. The base platemay further include at least one removable tab that, upon removal,allows conversion into or formation of at least one access opening thatis configured to accommodate at least one electrical device. In anembodiment, the base plate may include a pair of removable tabs that,upon removal, allow conversion into or formation of a pair of accessopenings for receiving a duplex electrical outlet. A removable centertab that separates the pair of access openings, as well as four cornertabs, may also be included in the embodiment. The center and corner tabsmay be removed to form an access opening for receiving a ground faultcurrent interrupter outlet. Additionally, a pair of flanking tabsforming portions of the pair of access openings may be included as wellin the embodiment, which may also be removed to form a larger accessopening. Therefore, the base plate may be a “blank” comprising acontinuous network of removable tabs, the removal of which may convertthe base plate to accommodate a plurality of electrical devices.

[0008] The convertible electrical device cover also includes an adapterplate configured to safely accommodate an electrical device. The adapterplate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side ofthe base plate when the convertible electrical device cover is placed inan operative position over the electrical device. Alternatively, thebase plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear sideof the adapter plate when the convertible electrical device cover isplaced in an operative position over the electrical device. In either ofthese alternative embodiments, a front face of the electrical device maybe at least flush with a front side of the adapter plate, therebyensuring a safer operating condition. In another embodiment, the adapterplate may be configured to abut the base plate on all sides of a largeraccess opening formed by removal of the pair of removable tabs and thecenter, corner, and flanking removable tabs of the exemplary base plateembodiment generally described above.

[0009] The adapter plate may further include at least one removable tabthat, upon removal, allows conversion into or formation of at least oneaccess opening that is configured to accommodate at least one electricaldevice. In an embodiment, the adapter plate may include features similarto the pair of removable tabs and the removable center, corner, andflanking tabs of the exemplary base plate embodiment generally describedabove. In another adapter plate embodiment, the adapter plate mayinclude a removable tab that, upon removal, allows conversion into orformation of an access opening configured to accommodate a toggleswitch. A substantially circular removable tab defining the accessopening may also be included in the embodiment. The substantiallycircular removable tab may be removed to form a substantially circularaccess opening for receiving a round outlet. A substantially annularremovable tab encompassing the substantially circular removable tab maybe included as well in the embodiment, which may be removed to form alarger substantially circular access opening for receiving a largerround outlet. Therefore, the adapter plate may be a “blank” comprising acontinuous network of removable tabs, the removal of which may convertthe adapter plate to accommodate a plurality of electrical devices.

[0010] The convertible electrical device cover may further include anengaging mechanism. When a convertible electrical device cover is placedin an operative position over an electrical device, the engagingmechanism may be configured to either removably couple a front side ofthe adapter plate to a rear side of the base plate facing the electricaldevice, or removably couple a rear side of the adapter plate to a frontside of the base plate, so that a front face of the electrical devicemay be held in at least a flush engagement with the front side of theadapter plate. The engaging mechanism may also be configured to positionthe adapter plate to accommodate an electrical device positioned in aplurality of orientations.

[0011] In another embodiment, the engaging mechanism may includeopposing protrusions on a rear side of the base plate facing theelectrical device, the opposing protrusions defining receiving notchespositioned inwardly toward one another. Pins may also be provided thatmay be removably coupled to and extend outwardly from opposing sides ofthe adapter plate, the pins configured to removably couple into thereceiving notches defined in the opposing protrusions so that a frontside of the adapter plate may be removably coupled to a rear side of thebase plate and a front face of the electrical device may be held in atleast a flush engagement with the front side of the adapter plate.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the engaging mechanism may include arecess. The recess may be defined in a rear side of a base plate facingan electrical device so that a front side of an adapter plate may beremovably coupled into the recess, thereby holding a front face of theelectrical device in at least a flush engagement with the front side ofan adapter plate. Alternatively, the recess may be defined in a frontside of a base plate so that a rear side of an adapter plate may beremovably coupled into the recess and a front face of the electricaldevice may be held in at least a flush engagement with the front side ofan adapter plate.

[0013] In still another embodiment, the engaging mechanism may includeelectrical device box screws and opposing top and bottom key holes thatextend fully through the adapter plate and that align with underlyingopposing top and bottom key holes in the base plate. The electricaldevice box screws may extend through the key holes in both the adapterand base plates and into the electrical device box screws holes so thata rear side of the adapter plate may be removably coupled to a frontside of the base plate and a front face of the electrical device may beheld in at least a flush engagement with the front side of the adapterplate.

[0014] The invention also includes a method for installing a convertibleelectrical device cover according to the present invention. Generally,the installation method may include the step of placing the convertibleelectrical device cover in an operative position over an electricaldevice so as to locate an adapter plate between the electrical deviceand a rear side of a base plate. Alternatively, the installation methodmay include the steps of: removing at least one removable tab of a baseplate that is configured to accommodate at least one electrical device,thereby converting the base plate to accommodate at least one electricaldevice; removing at least one removable tab of an adapter plate that isconfigured to accommodate at least one electrical device, therebyconverting the adapter plate to accommodate the at least one electricaldevice; and placing the convertible electrical device cover in anoperative position over an electrical device so as to locate a baseplate between the electrical device and a rear side of an adapter plate.In either of these alternative installation method embodiments, a frontface of the electrical device may be at least flush with a front side ofthe adapter plate, thereby ensuring a safer operating condition.

[0015] The alternative installation method embodiments may furtherinclude the steps of: either utilizing an engaging mechanism toremovably couple a front side of an adapter plate to a rear side of abase plate facing the electrical device, or utilizing an engagingmechanism to removably couple a rear side of an adapter plate to a frontside of a base plate, so that a front face of the electrical device maybe held in at least a flush engagement with the front side of theadapter plate; and/or utilizing an engaging mechanism to position anadapter plate to accommodate a plurality of orientations of anelectrical device.

[0016] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the inventionwill be apparent from the following more particular description ofembodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention and embodiments will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, where likedesignations denote like elements, and:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a rear view of a convertible electrical device cover ofthe present invention illustrating an adapter plate on a rear side of abase plate, the convertible electrical device cover for a single-gangelectrical device configuration;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a rear view of a convertible electrical device cover ofthe present invention illustrating an adapter plate on a rear side of abase plate, the convertible electrical device cover for a two-gangelectrical device configuration;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a rear view of a base plate of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a rear view of a base plate of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a rear view of a base plate of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 8 is perspective view illustrating the placement of anadapter plate, with respect to an electrical device and a base plate,when a convertible electrical device cover of the present invention isto be placed in an operative position over the electrical device;

[0026]FIG. 9 is partially broken away side view of a convertibleelectrical device cover of the present invention placed in an operativeposition over an electrical device, thereby illustrating that a frontface of the electrical device may protrude far enough to at least beflush with a front side of an adapter plate;

[0027]FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a convertible electricaldevice cover of the present invention illustrating an adapter plate on arear side of a base plate;

[0028]FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a convertible electricaldevice cover of the present invention illustrating an adapter plate in arecess in a rear side of a base plate;

[0029]FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a convertible electricaldevice cover of the present invention illustrating an adapter plate on afront side of a base plate; and

[0030]FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a convertible electricaldevice cover of the present invention illustrating an adapter plate in arecess in a front side of a base plate.

DESCRIPTION OT THE INVENTION

[0031] Generally, a convertible electrical device cover adaptable tosafely accommodate a plurality of electrical devices in a plurality oforientations is provided. The convertible electrical device cover mayinterchangeably, yet safely, accommodate virtually all commonlyencountered styles and sizes of electrical devices used in conjunctionwith electrical device boxes. The convertible electrical device coverincludes a base plate and an adapter plate, both configured to safelyaccommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical devicecover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device,either the adapter plate may be located between the electrical deviceand a rear side of the base plate facing the electrical device, or thebase plate may be located between an electrical device and a rear sideof the adapter plate, so that a front face of the electrical device maybe at least flush with a front side of the adapter plate.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, 4, and 6-13 specifically, convertibleelectrical device cover 100 includes base plate 110 with front and rearsides that is configured to safely accommodate an electrical device.Base plate 110 may be generally substantially rectangular (e.g. baseplate 110 of FIGS. 1, 4, 6-13 for a single-gang electrical deviceconfiguration) or substantially square (e.g. base plate 110 of FIG. 2for a two-gang electrical device configuration). However, otherpolygonal, circular, and the like base plate 150 shapes are within thescope of this invention.

[0033] Base plate 110 may further include at least one removable tabthat, upon removal, allows conversion into or formation of at least oneaccess opening that is configured to accommodate at least one electricaldevice. Thus, base plate 110 may be a “blank” comprising a continuousnetwork of removable tabs, the removal of which may convert base plate110 to accommodate a plurality of electrical devices. Alternatively,base plate 110 may include at least one access opening that isconfigured to safely accommodate at least one electrical device. Ineither of these alternative embodiments, the at least one access openingof base plate 110 may be generally substantially rectangular orsubstantially square, although other polygonal, circular, and the likeshapes are within the scope of this invention, and the at least oneaccess opening may be of sufficient size to accommodate one or moreelectrical devices in a plurality of styles and orientations. Forexample, base plate 110 with the at least one access opening may beconfigured to accommodate at least two electrical devices, such as inthe two-gang electrical device configuration of convertible electricaldevice cover 200 in FIG. 2.

[0034] Turning to FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, base plate configurations 400, 600,and 700 illustrate an embodiment of base plate 110. Referring to baseplate configuration 400 in FIG. 4, base plate 110 may include a pair ofremovable tabs (not shown) that, upon removal, allow conversion into orformation of a pair of access openings 130 for receiving a duplexelectrical outlet for example. Alternatively, base plate 110 may alreadyinclude access openings 130 for receiving a duplex electrical outlet.Removable center tab 114 separating and forming portions of accessopenings 130 may be included, along with removable corner tabs 116 alsoforming portions of access openings 130. Additionally, removableflanking tabs 120, also forming portions of access openings 130, may beincluded as well. As depicted in base plate configuration 600 in FIG. 6,removable center tab 114 and removable corner tabs 116 may be removedalong grooves 118 as desired to form access opening 132 for receiving aground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet for example. Removableflanking tabs 120 may also be removed along grooves 118 to form largeraccess opening 134 for receiving adapter plate 150, as depicted in baseplate configuration 700 in FIG. 7.

[0035] Not withstanding the foregoing, many other combinations ofremovable tabs may be defined by base plate 110 according to the presentinvention, the removal of which may convert base plate 110 toaccommodate a plurality of electrical devices. For example, base plate110 may include removable tabs that yield access openings to receive arocker-type light switch, a modular phone jack, a cable televisionoutlet, or other electrical device. Additionally, the present inventionmay provide base plate 110 to be extremely versatile, such as in theco-pending patent application to Shotey et al. entitled “UNIVERSAL COVERPLATE,” Ser. No. 09/657,352, filed Sep. 7, 2000, which is incorporatedherein by reference. Thus, base plate 110 may include sets of removabletabs that are configured to form access openings to receive a variety ofelectrical devices. The tab sets are bounded by tab set periphery linesthat may intersect each other, and the resulting access openings arebounded by access opening periphery lines that may intersect each other.Tab sets and potential access openings may overlap or they may includeother tab sets or potential access openings. Also, any of severaldifferent combinations of the tab sets described in the previouslyincorporated reference may be provided within base plate 110. Thus, forexample, a top duplex tab set, a bottom duplex tab set, a light switchtab set, a small single round tab set, a larger single round tab set,and a GFCI tab set may all be provided together within base plate 110.Thus, the present invention may provide a large variety of possible baseplate 110 configurations without requiring a user to stock severaldifferent electrical device covers.

[0036] In FIGS. 4 and 6, the pair of removable tabs (not shown) andremovable tabs 114, 116, and 120 are connected to base plate 110 bygrooves 118 (shown by dark lines). Grooves 118 define the pair ofremovable tabs (not shown) and removable tabs 114, 116, and 120 sinceremoval of the pair of removable tabs (not shown) and tabs 114, 116, and120 may be accomplished by breaking the material along grooves 118. Byapplication of impact force, prying, or the like to a location anywherewithin or adjacent to grooves 118, the pair of removable tabs (notshown) and removable tabs 114, 116, and 120 may be removed as desired.The dimensions and shape of grooves 118 may vary depending on thematerial used for the pair of removable tabs (not shown) and tabs 114,116, and 120 and base plate 110. For example, referring to FIG. 5, ifbase plate 110, the pair of removable tabs (not shown), and tabs 114,116, and 120 are made from a polymer such as polycarbonate, grooves 118may include front grooves 117 extending inwardly from the front side ofbase plate 110 and an opposing rear groove 119 extending inwardly fromthe rear side of base plate 110. Alternatively, the pair of removabletabs (not shown) and removable tabs 114, 116, and 120 may be connectedby connecting tabs or snap-in connections for example in place ofgrooves 118.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10-13, base plate 110defines various holes for receiving mounting screws that may be utilizedto facilitate placing convertible electrical device cover 100 in anoperative position over the electrical device. Different holes may beused depending on the configuration of the holes to which base plate 110will be secured. Mounting holes are generally sized and configured toconform to the standards for electrical devices and boxes. Each of thesealternate mounting access openings are provided for user convenience andto provide a high degree of latitude in the way base plate 110 may beattached to electrical devices. One or more of the mounting options maybe used at any given time, with the goal being to provide the user witha maximum of convenience and choice. Any combination of the mountingholes mentioned in this paragraph or below may be included or excludedfrom a particular embodiment of the invention without departing from theinvention's scope.

[0038] Therefore, base plate 110 may define top and bottom key holes170. Each key hole 170 may include a head hole that extends fullythrough base plate 110. The head hole may be sized to receive a head ofa fastener such as mounting screw 196 of FIG. 8. A shank slot alsoextends fully through base plate 110 and extends to the side from thehead hole. The shank slot may be sized so that it may receive a shank ofa fastener such as mounting screw 196 of FIG. 8, but so that it cannotreceive the head thereof. The shank slot may be bounded on either sideby a shoulder.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 8, key holes 170 may be used so that mountingscrew 196 or other fastener may be partially turned into each electricaldevice box hole. Base plate 110 may then be oriented so that each headhole of each key hole 170 may be aligned with a corresponding mountingscrew 196 head. Base plate 110 may then be pushed toward the electricaldevice box holes so that each mounting screw 196 head extends through acorresponding head hole. Base plate 110 may then be slid to the left sothat each shank slot receives the shank of the corresponding mountingscrew 196. Each mounting screw 196 may then be turned farther into theelectrical device box hole until the head of mounting screw 196 snuglyabuts the shoulder of the corresponding key hole 170. Base plate 110 maybe easily removed by partially loosening each mounting screw 196,sliding base plate 110 to the right so that the head of each mountingscrew 196 aligns with the corresponding head hole, and removing baseplate 110 so that each mounting screw 196 head slides through acorresponding head hole. Thus, by using key holes 170, base plate 110may be mounted and removed without fully removing the mounting screws196 from the electrical device box holes.

[0040] Base plate 110 also may define box screw hole tabs 174. Box screwhole tabs 174 may comprise thinned areas of base plate 110 and may belocated on a line parallel to the shorter sides of base plate 110 andapproximately passing through key holes 170. Thus, box screw hole tabs174 may be located one on either side of keyhole 170 and substantiallyequidistant from a head hole of key hole 170. If base plate 110 has twokey holes 170, a pair of box screw hole tabs 174 will preferentially belocated one on either side of both key holes 170, producing theconfigurations shown. The thickness of base plate 110 at box screw holetabs 174 may be approximately half or a quarter of its thicknesselsewhere, making it possible to use a sharp instrument such as a nailto punch through the material of base plate 110 at the location of boxscrew hole tabs 174, thus creating box screw mounting holes at eachlocation.

[0041] Different device screw holes may be utilized depending on theconfiguration of base plate 110. Thus, removable center tab 114 of baseplate 110 may define center mounting screw hole 178 in the duplexconfiguration of base plate 110 in FIGS. 2, 4, 8, 10-13, which also maybe bordered by protrusions 115 (as depicted in FIG. 4) that prevent baseplate from warping when a screw is used with center mounting screw hole178. GFCI mounting holes 172 may be used to mount base plate 110 on aGFCI outlet. GFCI mounting holes 172 may be centered substantially onthe longitudinal axis of base plate 110 adjacent to key holes 170. Otherconfigurations of mounting holes may also be used with base plate 110 ofthe present invention.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 8-13 specifically, convertibleelectrical device cover 100 includes adapter plate 150 with front andrear sides that is configured to safely accommodate an electricaldevice. Adapter plate 150 may be substantially rectangular (e.g. adapterplate 150 of FIGS. 2 and 12 for a two-gang electrical deviceconfiguration and a single-gang electrical device configurationrespectively) or substantially square (e.g. adapter plate 150 of FIGS.1, 8, 10-11, and 13 for a single-gang electrical device configuration).However, other polygonal, circular, and the like adapter plate 150shapes are within the scope of this invention.

[0043] Adapter plate 150 may further include at least one removable tabthat, upon removal, allows conversion into or formation of at least oneaccess opening that is configured to accommodate at least one electricaldevice. Thus, adapter plate 150 may be a “blank” comprising a continuousnetwork of removable tabs, the removal of which may convert adapterplate 150 to accommodate a plurality of electrical devices.Alternatively, adapter plate 150 may include at least one access openingthat is configured to safely accommodate at least one electrical device.In either of these alternative embodiments, the at least one accessopening of adapter plate 110 may be generally substantially rectangularor substantially square, although other polygonal, circular, and thelike shapes are within the scope of this invention, and the at least oneaccess opening may be of sufficient size to accommodate one or moreelectrical devices in a plurality of styles and orientations. Forexample, adapter plate 150 with the at least one access opening may beconfigured to accommodate at least two electrical devices, such as inthe two-gang electrical device configuration of convertible electricaldevice cover 200 in FIG. 2.

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention, adapter plate 150 may beconfigured to abut base plate 110 of FIGS. 7-8 on all sides of largeraccess opening 134 formed by removal of the pair of removable tabs andcenter, corner, and flanking removable tabs 114, 116, and 120respectively along grooves 118. However, adapter plate 150 may beutilized with any base plate 110 access opening configuration. Forexample, adapter plate 150 may also be used with base plate portion 600of FIG. 6 as well.

[0045] Turning to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 10-13, adapter plate 150configurations illustrate various embodiments of adapter plate 150.Referring to FIGS. 2, 8, and 10-13, an embodiment of adapter plate 150may include a pair of removable tabs (not shown) that, upon removal,allow conversion into or formation of pair of access openings 130 forreceiving a duplex electrical outlet for example. Alternatively, anembodiment of adapter plate 150 may already include access openings 130for receiving a duplex electrical outlet. Removable center tab 114separating and forming portions of access openings 130 may be included,along with removable corner tabs 116 also forming portions of accessopenings 130. Removable center tab 114 and removable corner tabs 116 maybe removed along grooves 118 as desired to form access opening 132 forreceiving a GFCI outlet.

[0046] In FIGS. 2, 8, and 10-13, the pair of removable tabs (not shown)and removable tabs 114 and 116 are connected to adapter plate 150 bygrooves 118 (shown by dark lines). Grooves 118 define the pair ofremovable tabs (not shown) and removable tabs 114 and 116 since removalof the pair of removable tabs (not shown) and removable tabs 114 and 116may be accomplished by breaking the material along grooves 118. Byapplication of impact force, prying, or the like to a location anywherewithin or adjacent to grooves 118, the pair of removable tabs (notshown) and removable tabs 114 and 116 may be removed as desired. Thedimensions and shape of grooves 118 may vary depending on the materialused for adapter plate 150 and the pair of removable tabs (not shown)and tabs 114 and 116. Alternatively, the pair of removable tabs (notshown) and removable tabs 114 and 116 may be connected by connectingtabs or snap-in connections for example in place of grooves 118.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of adapter plate 150may include a removable tab that, upon removal, allows conversion intoor formation of access opening 160 configured to accommodate a toggleswitch for example. Alternatively, an embodiment of adapter plate 150may already include access opening 160 configured to accommodate atoggle switch. Substantially circular removable tab 162 forming accessopening 160 may also be included and may be removed along connectingtabs 168 to form a substantially circular access opening for receiving around outlet for example. Substantially annular removable tabs 164 mayencompass substantially circular removable tab 162. Substantiallyannular cut lines 166 successively separate substantially annularremovable tabs 164 from one another and substantially circular removabletab 162. Substantially annular cut lines 166 may be apertures thatextend through adapter plate 150. Substantially annular removable tabs164 may be removed along connecting tabs 168 to form successively largersubstantially circular access openings for receiving successively largerround outlets.

[0048] In FIGS. 1 and 2, removable tabs 162 and 164 are connected toadapter plate 150 by connecting tabs 168. Connecting tabs 168 defineremovable tabs 162 and 164 since removal of tabs 162 and 164 may beaccomplished by breaking the material along connecting tabs 168. Byapplication of impact force, prying, or the like to a location anywherewithin or adjacent to connecting tabs 168, removable tabs 162 and 164may be removed as desired. The dimensions and shape of connecting tabs168 may vary depending on the material used for tabs 162 and 164 andadapter plate 150. Alternatively, removable tabs 162 and 164 may beconnected by snap-in connections or grooves for example in place ofconnecting tabs 168.

[0049] Not withstanding the foregoing, many other combinations ofremovable tabs may be defined by adapter plate 150 according to thepresent invention, the removal of which may convert adapter plate 150 toaccommodate a plurality of electrical devices. For example, adapterplate 150 may include removable tabs that yield access openings toreceive a rocker-type light switch, a modular phone jack, a cabletelevision outlet, or other electrical device. Additionally, the presentinvention may provide adapter plate 150 to be extremely versatile, suchas in the co-pending patent application to Shotey et al. entitled“UNIVERSAL COVER PLATE,” Ser. No. 09/657,352, filed Sep. 7, 2000, whichis again incorporated herein by reference. Thus, according to thisincorporated reference, adapter plate 150 may include sets of removabletabs that are configured to form access openings to receive a variety ofelectrical devices. The tab sets are bounded by tab set periphery linesthat may intersect each other, and the resulting access openings arebounded by access opening periphery lines that may intersect each other.Tab sets and potential access openings may overlap or they may includeother tab sets or potential access openings. Also, any of severaldifferent combinations of the tab sets described in the previouslyincorporated reference may be provided within adapter plate 150. Thus,for example, a top duplex tab set, a bottom duplex tab set, a lightswitch tab set, a small single round tab set, a larger single round tabset, and a GFCI tab set may all be provided together within adapterplate 150. Thus, the present invention may provide a large variety ofpossible adapter plate 150 configurations without requiring a user tostock several different electrical device covers.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, 8, and 10-13, adapter plate 150 maydefine various holes for receiving mounting screws that may be utilizedto facilitate placing convertible electrical device cover 100 in anoperative position over the electrical device. Different holes may beused depending on the configuration of the holes to which adapter plate150 will be secured. Mounting holes are generally sized and configuredto conform to the standards for electrical devices. Each of thesealternate mounting holes are provided for user convenience and toprovide a high degree of latitude in the way adapter plate 150 may beattached to electrical devices. One or more of the mounting options maybe used at any given time, with the goal being to provide the user witha maximum of convenience and choice. Any combination of the mountingholes mentioned in this paragraph or below may be included or excludedfrom a particular embodiment of the invention without departing from itsscope.

[0051] Therefore, adapter plate 150 may define different device screwholes depending on the configuration of adapter plate 150. Thus,removable center tab 114 of adapter plate 150 may define center mountingscrew hole 178 in the duplex configuration of adapter plate 150 in FIGS.2 and 8-13. Adapter plate 150 may also define mounting screw holes 176in the switch and round configurations of adapter plate 150 in FIGS. 1and 2. Other configurations of mounting holes may also be used withadapter plate 150 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12 forexample, adapter plate 150 may define top and bottom key holes 170, aspreviously described, that extend fully through adapter plate 150 andthat align with underlying opposing top and bottom key holes 170 in baseplate 110.

[0052] When convertible electrical device cover 100 is placed in anoperative position over an electrical device, adapter plate 150 may belocated between the electrical device and a rear side of base plate 110facing the electrical device (e.g. FIGS. 8-9 and 10-11—but not showingthe electrical device). Alternatively, when convertible electricaldevice cover 100 is placed in an operative position over the electricaldevice, base plate 110 may be located between the electrical device anda rear side of adapter plate 150 (e.g. FIGS. 12-13—but not showing theelectrical device). In either of these embodiments, a front face of theelectrical device may be at least flush with a front side of adapterplate 150 (e.g. FIG. 9), thereby ensuring a safer operating condition.

[0053] Moreover, turning now to FIGS. 1-4 and 6-13 generally,convertible electrical device cover 100 may also include an engagingmechanism. The engaging mechanism may be configured to position adapterplate 150 to accommodate an electrical device positioned in a pluralityof orientations, such as a substantially vertical orientation and atleast a substantially horizontal orientation for example. This allows asingle adapter plate 150 to be used in either orientation and therefore,may be economical and efficient. It may be appreciated however that asimilar advantage could be obtained by providing two separate adapterplates 150 that could be positioned in base plate 110 in only either thesubstantially vertical orientation or the substantially horizontalorientation. Thus, one of adapter plates 150 may have openings for ahorizontally oriented electrical device and the other would haveopenings for a vertically oriented electrical device, but the same baseplate 110 could be used. This would not be as advantageous, but it wouldprovide the ability to accommodate both types of electrical deviceorientations with mostly the same components.

[0054] Still referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 6-13 generally, the engagingmechanism may further be configured to removably couple a front side ofadapter plate 150 to a rear side of base plate 110 facing the electricaldevice. Alternatively, the engaging mechanism may further be configuredto removably couple a rear side of adapter plate 150 to a front side ofbase plate 110. In either of these embodiments, a front face of theelectrical device may be held in at least a flush engagement with thefront side of adapter plate 150.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 12-13 specifically, one embodiment of anengaging mechanism that is configured to removably couple a rear side ofadapter plate 150 to a front side of base plate 110 may comprise atleast one electrical device screw and at least one electrical devicescrew hole extending through adapter plate 150, wherein the at least oneelectrical device screw removably couples adapter plate 150 to theelectrical device, thereby squashing base plate 110 between the rearside of adapter plate 150 and the electrical device. For example, asdepicted in FIGS. 12-13, the at least one electrical device screw andthe at least one electrical device screw hole could include a duplexelectrical outlet screw and a duplex electrical outlet screw hole 178.As another example, the at least one electrical device screw and the atleast one electrical device screw hole could include at least two switchscrews and at least two switch screw holes 176 as in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment of an engaging mechanismthat is configured to removably couple a rear side of adapter plate 150to a front side of base plate 110 may comprise electrical device boxmounting screws and opposing top and bottom key holes 170 that extendfully through adapter plate 150 and that align with underlying opposingtop and bottom key holes 170 in base plate 110. Key holes 170 may beused so that a mounting screw or other fastener may be partially turnedinto each electrical device box hole. A rear side of adapter plate 150may be removably coupled to a front side of base plate 110 in thefollowing manner. Base plate 110 and adapter plate 150 may be orientedso that each head hole of each key hole 170 may be aligned with acorresponding mounting screw head. Base plate 110 and adapter plate 150may then be pushed toward the electrical device box holes so that eachmounting screw head extends through a corresponding head holes, and theprocess can continue in the same manner as described previously inconjunction with key holes 170 of base plate 110 and in reference toFIG. 8, thereby squashing base plate 110 between adapter plate 150 andthe electrical device. Thus, by using key holes 170, base plate 110 andadapter plate 150 may not only be mounted and removed without fullyremoving the mounting screws 196 from the electrical device box holes,but a front face of the electrical device may be held in at least aflush engagement with the front side of adapter plate 150.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2 specifically, an embodiment of an engagingmechanism that is configured to removably couple a front side of adapterplate 150 to a rear side of base plate 110 may comprise at least oneelectrical device screw, at least one electrical device screw holeextending through adapter plate 150, at least one adapter plate screw,and at least one adapter plate screw hole extending through adapterplate 150. The at least one electrical device screw removably couplesadapter plate 150 to the electrical device and the at least one adapterplate screw removably couples adapter plate 150 to the rear side of baseplate 110. As described previously, a first part of this engagingmechanism may include a duplex electrical outlet screw and a duplexelectrical outlet screw hole 178 as in FIGS. 2, 8, and 10-13 and/or atleast two switch screws and at least two switch screw holes 176 as inFIGS. 1 and 2. As the second part of this engaging mechanism, the atleast one adapter plate screw hole may comprise adapter plate screwholes 156 in the corners of adapter plate 150 as in FIG. 2, andcorresponding adapter plate screws could removably couple adapter plate150 to corresponding underlying portions of the rear side of base plate110 (depicted as dashed lines).

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 6-13, another embodiment of theengaging mechanism that is configured to removably couple a front sideof adapter plate 150 to a rear side of base plate 110 may includeopposing protrusions 142 on a rear side of base plate 110 extendingoutwardly to a predetermined height. The thickness of adapter plate 150may be substantially the same as the predetermined height of opposingprotrusions 142. When key holes 170 are utilized to mount base plate 110to an electrical box, opposing protrusions 142 prevent base plate 110from warping. Additionally, opposing protrusions 142 may define recessesin top sides of opposing protrusions 142. Such recesses also preventbase plate 110 from warping away from a flush engagement with theelectrical box by receiving screw heads.

[0059] Specifically, opposing protrusions 142 defining receiving notches144 positioned inwardly toward one another. Pins 152 may also beprovided that may be removably coupled to and extend outwardly fromopposing sides of adapter plate 150. Pins 152 are configured toremovably couple into receiving notches 144 defined in opposingprotrusions 142 so that a front side of adapter plate 150 may beremovably coupled to a rear side of base plate 110 and a front face ofthe electrical device may be held in at least a flush engagement with afront side of adapter plate 150. Receiving notches 144 may be locatedoff-center of a center line parallel to longer sides of base plate 110.Moreover, additional receiving notch 146 may be included, it beingdefined in one of opposing protrusions 142. Likewise, additional pin 154may be included, additional pin 154 removably coupled to and extendingoutwardly from a side of adapter plate 150. Additional pin 154 may beconfigured to removably couple into additional receiving notch 146,thereby properly positioning adapter plate 150 relative to opposingprotrusions 142.

[0060] Yet another embodiment of the engaging mechanism that isconfigured to removably couple a front side of adapter plate 150 to arear side of base plate 110 may include at least two opposing rails onthe rear side of base plate 110. Adapter plate 150 may be configured tobe slidably removably coupled between the at least two opposing rails sothat a front side of adapter plate 150 may be removably coupled to arear side of base plate 110 and a front face of the electrical devicemay be held in at least a flush engagement with a front side of adapterplate 150.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13 specifically, an embodiment of theengaging mechanism that is configured to either removably couple a frontside of adapter plate 150 to a rear side of base plate 110, or removablycouple a rear side of adapter plate 150 to a front side of base plate110, may include recess 200 configured to removably couple adapter plate150. Recess 200 may be defined in a rear side of base plate 110 facingan electrical device so that a front side of adapter plate 150 may beremovably coupled into recess 200 and a front face of the electricaldevice may be held in at least a flush engagement with the front side ofadapter plate 150. Alternatively, recess 200 may be defined in a frontside of base plate 110 so that a rear side of adapter plate 150 may beremovably coupled into recess 200 and a front face of the electricaldevice may be held in at least a flush engagement with the front side ofadapter plate 150.

[0062] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 generally, convertible electricaldevice cover 100 may further include at least one removable hingeremovably coupled to and extending outwardly from base plate 110. The atleast one hinge may be configured to pivotally couple with at least onehinge of a protective housing. Useful to the present invention are theprotective housings and hinges described in the patent to Shotey et al.entitled “UNIVERSAL COVER PLATE, COVER PLATE ASSEMBLY, AND RELATEDMETHODS,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,831, and in the co-pending patentapplication to Shotey et al. entitled “UNIVERSAL COVER PLATE,” Ser. No.09/657,352, filed Sep. 7, 2000, both of which are incorporated herein byreference.

[0063] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 specifically, base plate 110 mayinclude two pairs of hinges 180, one pair attached to a short side ofbase plate 110 and one pair attached to a long side of base plate 110.Hinges 180 are designed to adapt to a variety of situations depending onthe direction in which the protective housing may be opened. Forexample, the protective housing may be rotated around an axis formedparallel to a short side of base plate 110. Were it more desirable tolet the protective housing, when in its open position, rest at eitherside of base plate 110, rather than let it rest above base plate 110,the axis of rotation could be located parallel to a long side of baseplate 110, and hinges 180 located on that side would be used. Hinges 180are further designed to be removable, once the choice of rotational axishas been made, in the manners generally set forth in the previouslyincorporated references.

[0064] In practice, then, it would be typical for a user of the presentinvention to remove an unused pair of hinges and leave only that pair towhich the protective cover may be to be attached. On the other hand, ifthere were a possibility that the protective cover configuration wouldchange from time to time, raising the possibility of the alternate useof multiple pairs of hinges, each pair of hinges 180 could be left inplace to serve as pivotal attachment locations when needed. Furthermore,it should be understood that the hinge configuration shown in FIGS. 1and 2 are not the only possible configuration. Hinges 180 could beplaced on any combination of the four long and short sides of base plate110, singly or in pairs.

[0065] Convertible electrical device cover 110 may also include aprotective housing, which may be particularly useful in outdoor settingswhere a weatherproof cover plate may be desired. Thus, the protectivehousing could provide an opening for the passage of a cord extendingfrom a plug inserted into an electrical outlet, for example, such thatthe plug may remain in the outlet and the electrical device to which theother end of the plug and the cord are attached may remain in operationwhen the protective housing is in its closed position, thereby affordinga degree of protection from the elements or other intrusions. Thepresent invention may also provide a continuous flange 182 extendingoutwardly and continuously along a periphery of base plate 150 asdepicted in FIGS. 1-2, 4, and 6-13. Flange 182 may be configured toaccommodate the protective housing. That is, flange 182 may provide aseat for the protective housing when in an operative position over thebase plate. However, if the protective housing is not desired thepresent invention may allow for base plate 110 without a protectivehousing. Therefore, all hinges 180 and flange 182 could be removed if aprotective housing is not needed, or alternatively base plate 110 may bemanufactured free of them.

[0066] Components of convertible electrical device cover 100 may be madefrom any of many different types of materials. For example, base plate110 and adapter plate 150 may be made from weather-resistant, rigid,electrically non-conductive materials such as polycarbonate, polystyreneor other plastic materials known in the art. Base plate 110 and adapterplate 150 may also be made from corrosion-resistant metal, such as zinc,magnesium, or other metals known in the art. For example, aluminum mayalso be used, although aluminum is not particularly resistant tocorrosion in a salt water environment. Notwithstanding, base plate 110and adapter plate 150 may be made from other materials suitable forelectrical applications. The components of convertible electrical devicecover 100 may be manufactured separately and then assembled together.Base plate 110 and adapter plate 150 may be manufactured by injectionmolding, casting, milling, metal stamping, or the like. Base plate 110and adapter plate 150 may then be assembled together through aninstallation method as described below when convertible electricaldevice cover 100 is placed in an operative position over the electricaldevice.

[0067] Describing the installation and use of convertible electricaldevice cover 100 further, a method for installing convertible electricaldevice cover 100 may also be provided to safely accommodate a pluralityof electrical devices in a plurality of orientations. As depicted inFIGS. 8-9 for example, a first embodiment of the installation method mayinclude placing convertible electrical device cover 100 in an operativeposition over at least one electrical device so as to locate adapterplate 150 between the at least one electrical device and a rear side ofbase plate 110. As depicted in FIG. 9, placing the convertibleelectrical device cover 100 can further include holding at least onefront face of the at least one electrical device at least flush with afront side of adapter plate 150, thereby ensuring a safer operatingcondition.

[0068] The first installation method embodiment may further includeremoving at least one removable tab of base plate 110, therebyconverting base plate 110 to accommodate the at least one electricaldevice. Specifically, removing at least one removable tab of base plate110 can include forming at least one access opening that is configuredto accommodate the at least one electrical device. For example, asdepicted in FIGS. 4 and 6, removing at least one removable tab of baseplate 110 may include removing center removable tab 114 and cornerremovable tabs 116 forming part of access openings 130 that areconfigured to accommodate a duplex electrical outlet, thereby formingsubstantially rectangular access opening 132 that is configured toaccommodate a GFCI outlet. Additionally, removing center removable tab114 and corner removable tabs 116 may also include removing a pair ofremovable tabs, thereby forming access openings 130. Moreover, asdepicted in FIGS. 4 and 6-7, removing center removable tab 114 andcorner removable tabs 116 may also include removing flanking removabletabs 120 forming part of pair of access openings 130, thereby forminglarger access opening. Then, as depicted in FIG. 8, the firstinstallation method embodiment may further include abutting adapterplate 150 to base plate 110 on all sides of larger access opening 134.

[0069] The first installation method embodiment may still furtherinclude removing at least one removable tab of adapter plate 150,thereby converting adapter plate 150 to accommodate the at least oneelectrical device. Specifically, removing at least one removable tab ofadapter plate 150 may include forming at least one access opening thatis configured to accommodate the at least one electrical device. Forexample, removing at least one removable tab of adapter plate 150 mayinclude removing center removable tab 114 and corner removable tabs 116forming part of access openings 130 that are configured to accommodate aduplex electrical outlet (the various removable tabs and access openingsdepicted in FIGS. 2, 8, and 10-13), thereby forming substantiallyrectangular access opening 132 that is configured to accommodate a GFCIoutlet. Additionally, removing center removable tab 114 and cornerremovable tabs 116 may also include removing a pair of removable tabs,thereby forming access openings 130.

[0070] As another example, removing at least one removable tab ofadapter plate 150 may further include removing substantially circularremovable tab 162 forming access opening 160 configured to accommodate atoggle switch (the removable tab and access opening depicted in FIGS. 1and 2), thereby forming a substantially circular access opening that isconfigured to accommodate a round outlet. Additionally, removingsubstantially circular removable tab 162 may also include removing aremovable tab, thereby forming access opening 160 that is configured toaccommodate the toggle switch. Moreover, removing substantially circularremovable tab 162 may further include removing at least onesubstantially annular removable tab 164 encompassing at least a portionof substantially circular removable tab 162 (the removable tabs depictedin FIGS. 1 and 2), thereby forming at least one larger substantiallycircular access opening that is configured to accommodate at least onelarger round outlet.

[0071] The first installation method embodiment may further include thestep of utilizing an engaging mechanism to removably couple a front sideof adapter plate 150 to a rear side of base plate 110 so that adapterplate 150 is located between the at least one electrical device and therear side of base plate 110 when convertible electrical device cover 100is placed in an operative position over the at least one electricaldevice, and so that at least one front face of the at least oneelectrical device is held in at least a flush engagement with the frontside of adapter plate 150. Additionally, the step of utilizing anengaging mechanism may further include positioning adapter plate 150 toaccommodate the at least one electrical device positioned in a pluralityof orientations.

[0072] As partially depicted in FIGS. 12-13, a second embodiment of theinstallation method may include: removing at least one removable tab ofbase plate 110 that is configured to accommodate at least one electricaldevice, thereby converting base plate 110 to accommodate the at leastone electrical device; removing at least one removable tab of adapterplate 150 that is configured to accommodate at least one electricaldevice, thereby converting adapter plate 150 to accommodate the at leastone electrical device; and placing convertible electrical device cover100 in an operative position over at least one electrical device so asto locate base plate 110 between the at least one electrical device anda rear side of adapter plate 150. Placing the convertible electricaldevice cover 100 can further include holding at least one front face ofthe at least one electrical device at least flush with a front side ofadapter plate 150, thereby ensuring compliance with current electricalsafety standards.

[0073] Other than the just described distinctive steps, further possiblesteps of the second installation method embodiment are similar to thepossible steps of the first installation method embodiment as describedabove, the above description incorporated herein by reference todescribe the further possible steps of the second installation methodembodiment. Therefore, only one other different possible step betweenthe two installation method embodiments will be further described.Specifically, the second installation method embodiment may furtherinclude utilizing an engaging mechanism to removably couple a rear sideof adapter plate 150 to a front side of base plate 110 so that baseplate 110 is located between the at least one electrical device and therear side of adapter plate 110 when convertible electrical device cover100 is placed in an operative position over the at least one electricaldevice, and so that at least one front face of the at least oneelectrical device is held in at least a flush engagement with the frontside of adapter plate 150.

[0074] While the invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, unless otherwise specified, any components of theconvertible electrical device cover according to the present inventionindicated in the drawings or herein are given as an example of possiblecomponents and not as a limitation. Similarly, unless otherwisespecified, any steps or sequence of steps of the installation methodsaccording to the present invention indicated herein are given asexamples of possible steps or sequence of steps and not as limitations

1. A convertible electrical device cover comprising: a base platecomprising front and rear sides, the base plate configured toaccommodate at least one electrical device; an adapter plate comprisingfront and rear sides, the adapter plate configured to accommodate the atleast one electrical device, wherein the adapter plate is locatedbetween the at least one electrical device and the rear side of the baseplate when the convertible electrical device cover is placed in anoperative position over the at least one electrical device.
 2. Theconvertible electrical device cover of claim 1, wherein the base platefurther comprises at least one removable tab that, upon removal,converts the base plate to accommodate the at least one electricaldevice.
 3. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 2, whereinremoval of the at least one removable tab allows conversion into atleast one access opening that is configured to accommodate the at leastone electrical device.
 4. The convertible electrical device cover ofclaim 1, wherein at least one front face of the at least one electricaldevice is at least flush with the front side of the adapter plate whenthe convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operativeposition over the at least one electrical device.
 5. The convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 1, wherein the adapter plate furthercomprises at least one removable tab that, upon removal, converts theadapter plate to accommodate the at least one electrical device.
 6. Theconvertible electrical device cover of claim 5, wherein removal of theat least one removable tab allows conversion into at least one accessopening that is configured to accommodate the at least one electricaldevice.
 7. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 1 furthercomprising an engaging mechanism that is configured to removably couplethe front side of the adapter plate to the rear side of the base plateso that at least one front face of the at least one electrical device isheld in at least a flush engagement with the front side of the adapterplate.
 8. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 7, whereinthe engaging mechanism is further configured to position the adapterplate to accommodate the at least one electrical device positioned in aplurality of orientations.
 9. The convertible electrical device cover ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one removable hinge removablycoupled to and extending outwardly from the base plate, the at least oneremovable hinge configured to pivotally couple with at least one hingeof a protective housing.
 10. The convertible electrical device cover ofclaim 9 further comprising a flange coupled to and extending outwardlyand continuously along a periphery of the base plate, the flangeconfigured to accommodate the protective housing when in an operativeposition over the base plate.
 11. A convertible electrical device covercomprising: a base plate that is configured to accommodate at least oneelectrical device, the base plate comprising front and rear sides and atleast one removable tab that, upon removal, allows conversion into atleast one access opening that is configured to accommodate the at leastone electrical device; an adapter plate that is configured toaccommodate the at least one electrical device, the adapter platecomprising front and rear sides and at least one removable tab that,upon removal, allows conversion into at least one access opening that isconfigured to accommodate the at least one electrical device; and anengaging mechanism that is configured to removably couple the front sideof the adapter plate to the rear side of the base plate so that theadapter plate is located between the at least one electrical device andthe rear side of the base plate when the convertible electrical devicecover is placed in an operative position over the at least oneelectrical device, and so that at least one front face of the at leastone electrical device is held in at least a flush engagement with thefront side of the adapter plate.
 12. The convertible electrical devicecover of claim 11, wherein the at least one removable tab of the baseplate comprises: one center removable tab and four corner removable tabsforming part of a pair of access openings that are configured toaccommodate a duplex electrical outlet, whereby upon removal of the onecenter removable tab and the four corner removable tabs a substantiallyrectangular access opening is formed that is configured to accommodate aground fault current interrupter outlet.
 13. The convertible electricaldevice cover of claim 12 further comprising a pair of removable tabsthat, upon removal, allow conversion into the pair of access openings.14. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 12 furthercomprising two flanking removable tabs forming part of the pair ofaccess openings, whereby upon removal of the one center removable tab,the four corner removable tabs, and the two flanking removable tabs alarger access opening is formed.
 15. The convertible electrical devicecover of claim 14, wherein the adapter plate is configured to abut thebase plate on all sides of the larger access opening.
 16. Theconvertible electrical device cover of claim 11, wherein the at leastone removable tab of the adapter plate comprises one center removabletab and four corner removable tabs forming part of a pair of accessopenings that are configured to accommodate a duplex electrical outlet,whereby upon removal of the one center removable tab and the four cornerremovable tabs a substantially rectangular access opening is formed thatis configured to accommodate a ground fault current interrupter outlet.17. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 16 furthercomprising a pair of removable tabs that, upon removal, allow conversioninto the pair of access openings.
 18. The convertible electrical devicecover of claim 11, wherein the at least one removable tab of the adapterplate comprises a substantially circular removable tab forming an accessopening configured to accommodate a toggle switch, whereby upon removalof the substantially circular removable tab a substantially circularaccess opening is formed that is configured to accommodate a roundoutlet.
 19. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 18 furthercomprising a removable tab that, upon removal, allows conversion intothe access opening that is configured to accommodate the toggle switch.20. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 18 furthercomprising at least one substantially annular removable tab encompassingat least a portion of the substantially circular removable tab, wherebyupon removal of the substantially circular removable tab and the atleast one substantially annular removable tab at least one largersubstantially circular access opening is formed that is configured toaccommodate at least one larger round outlet.
 21. The convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 11, wherein the engaging mechanism is:at least one electrical device screw, at least one electrical devicescrew hole extending through the adapter plate, at least one adapterplate screw, and at least one adapter plate screw hole extending throughthe adapter plate, and wherein the at least one electrical device screwremovably couples the adapter plate to the electrical device through theat least one electrical device screw hole and the at least one adapterplate screw removably couples the front side of the adapter plate to therear side of the base plate through the at least one adapter plate screwhole; a recess defined in the rear side of the base plate so that thefront side of the adapter plate is configured to be removably coupledinto the recess; or at least two opposing rails on the rear side of thebase plate, wherein the adapter plate is configured to slidablyremovably couple between the at least two opposing rails.
 22. Theconvertible electrical device cover of claim 11, wherein the engagingmechanism comprises: opposing protrusions on the rear side of the baseplate extending outwardly to a predetermined height, the opposingprotrusions defining receiving notches positioned inwardly toward oneanother; and pins extending outwardly from opposing sides of the adapterplate, the pins configured to removably couple into the receivingnotches.
 23. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 22,wherein a thickness of the adapter plate is substantially the same asthe predetermined height of the opposing protrusions.
 24. Theconvertible electrical device cover of claim 22, wherein top sides ofthe opposing protrusions define recesses that are configured to receivescrew heads.
 25. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 22,wherein the opposing protrusions are located on a center line parallelto longer sides of the base plate.
 26. The convertible electrical devicecover of claim 25, wherein the receiving notches are located off of thecenter line parallel to the longer sides of the base plate.
 27. Theconvertible electrical device cover of claim 22 further comprising: anadditional receiving notch defined in one of the opposing protrusions;and an additional pin extending outwardly from one of the opposing sidesof the adapter plate that is configured to removably couple into theadditional receiving notch, thereby properly positioning the adapterplate relative to the opposing protrusions.
 28. A convertible electricaldevice cover comprising: a base plate that is configured to accommodateat least one electrical device, the base plate comprising front and rearsides and at least one removable tab that, upon removal, converts thebase plate to accommodate the at least one electrical device; an adapterplate that is configured to accommodate the at least one electricaldevice, the adapter plate comprising front and rear sides and at leastone removable tab that, upon removal, converts the adapter plate toaccommodate the at least one electrical device; and wherein the baseplate is located between the at least one electrical device and the rearside of the adapter plate when the convertible electrical device coveris placed in an operative position over the at least one electricaldevice.
 29. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 28, whereinremoval of the at least one removable tab of the base plate allowsconversion into at least one access opening that is configured toaccommodate the at least one electrical device.
 30. The convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 28, wherein at least one front face ofthe at least one electrical device is at least flush with the front sideof the adapter plate when the convertible electrical device cover isplaced in an operative position over the at least one electrical device.31. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 28, wherein removalof the at least one removable tab of the adapter plate allows conversioninto at least one access opening that is configured to accommodate theat least one electrical device.
 32. The convertible electrical devicecover of claim 28 further comprising an engaging mechanism that isconfigured to removably couple the rear side of the adapter plate to thefront side of the base plate so that at least one front face of the atleast one electrical device is held in at least a flush engagement withthe front side of the adapter plate.
 33. The convertible electricaldevice cover of claim 32, wherein the engaging mechanism is furtherconfigured to position the adapter plate to accommodate the at least oneelectrical device positioned in a plurality of orientations.
 34. Theconvertible electrical device cover of claim 28 further comprising atleast one removable hinge removably coupled to and extending outwardlyfrom the base plate, the at least one removable hinge configured topivotally couple with at least one hinge of a protective housing. 35.The convertible electrical device cover of claim 34 further comprising aflange coupled to and extending outwardly and continuously along aperiphery of the base plate, the flange configured to accommodate theprotective housing when in an operative position over the base plate.36. A convertible electrical device cover comprising: a base plate thatis configured to accommodate at least one electrical device, the baseplate comprising front and rear sides and at least one removable tabthat, upon removal, allows conversion into at least one access openingthat is configured to accommodate the at least one electrical device; anadapter plate that is configured to accommodate the at least oneelectrical device, the adapter plate comprising front and rear sides andat least one removable tab that, upon removal, allows conversion into atleast one access opening that is configured to accommodate the at leastone electrical device; and an engaging mechanism that is configured toremovably couple the rear side of the adapter plate to the front side ofthe base plate so that the base plate is located between the at leastone electrical device and the rear side of the adapter plate when theconvertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative positionover the at least one electrical device, and so that at least one frontface of the at least one electrical device is held in at least a flushengagement with the front side of the adapter plate.
 37. The convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 36, wherein the at least one removabletab of the base plate comprises: one center removable tab and fourcorner removable tabs forming part of a pair of access openings that areconfigured to accommodate a duplex electrical outlet, whereby uponremoval of the one center removable tab and the four corner removabletabs a substantially rectangular access opening is formed that isconfigured to accommodate a ground fault current interrupter outlet. 38.The convertible electrical device cover of claim 37 further comprising apair of removable tabs that, upon removal, allow conversion into thepair of access openings.
 39. The convertible electrical device cover ofclaim 37 further comprising two flanking removable tabs forming part ofthe pair of access openings, whereby upon removal of the one centerremovable tab, the four corner removable tabs, and the two flankingremovable tabs a larger access opening is formed.
 40. The convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 39, wherein the adapter plate isconfigured to abut the base plate on all sides of the larger accessopening.
 41. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 36,wherein the at least one removable tab of the adapter plate comprisesone center removable tab and four corner removable tabs forming part ofa pair of access openings that are configured to accommodate a duplexelectrical outlet, whereby upon removal of the one center removable taband the four corner removable tabs a substantially rectangular accessopening is formed that is configured to accommodate a ground faultcurrent interrupter outlet.
 42. The convertible electrical device coverof claim 41 further comprising a pair of removable tabs that, uponremoval, allow conversion into the pair of access openings.
 43. Theconvertible electrical device cover of claim 36, wherein the at leastone removable tab of the adapter plate comprises a substantiallycircular removable tab forming an access opening configured toaccommodate a toggle switch, whereby upon removal of the substantiallycircular removable tab a substantially circular access opening is formedthat is configured to accommodate a round outlet.
 44. The convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 43 further comprising a removable tabthat, upon removal, allows conversion into the access opening that isconfigured to accommodate the toggle switch.
 45. The convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 43 further comprising at least onesubstantially annular removable tab encompassing at least a portion ofthe substantially circular removable tab, whereby upon removal of thesubstantially circular removable tab and the at least one substantiallyannular removable tab at least one larger substantially circular accessopening is formed that is configured to accommodate at least one largerround outlet.
 46. The convertible electrical device cover of claim 36,wherein the engaging mechanism is: at least one electrical device screwand at least one electrical device screw hole extending through theadapter plate, wherein the at least one electrical device screwremovably couples the adapter plate to the at least one electricaldevice, thereby squashing the base plate between the adapter plate andthe at least one electrical device; a recess defined in the front sideof the base plate so that the rear side of the adapter plate isconfigured to be removably coupled into the recess; or opposing top andbottom key holes that extend fully through the adapter plate and alignwith underlying opposing top and bottom key holes, the underlyingopposing top and bottom key holes extending fully through the base plateand aligning with underlying electrical device box holes, whereincorresponding electrical device box mounting screws extend through thetop and bottom key holes of the adapter plate and the base plate and areremovably coupled into corresponding box holes, thereby squashing thebase plate between the adapter plate and the at least one electricaldevice.
 47. A method of installing a convertible electrical devicecover, the method comprising the step of placing the convertibleelectrical device cover in an operative position over at least oneelectrical device so as to locate an adapter plate configured toaccommodate the at least one electrical device between the at least oneelectrical device and a rear side of a base plate configured toaccommodate the at least one electrical device.
 48. The method ofinstalling a convertible electrical device cover of claim 47 furthercomprising the step of removing at least one removable tab of the baseplate, thereby converting the base plate to accommodate the at least oneelectrical device.
 49. The method of installing a convertible electricaldevice cover of claim 48, wherein the step of removing the at least oneremovable tab further comprises forming at least one access opening thatis configured to accommodate the at least one electrical device.
 50. Themethod of installing a convertible electrical device cover of claim 47,wherein the step of placing the convertible electrical device coverfurther comprises holding at least one front face of the at least oneelectrical device at least flush with a front side of the adapter plate.51. The method of installing a convertible electrical device cover ofclaim 47 further comprising the step of removing at least one removabletab of the adapter plate, thereby converting the adapter plate toaccommodate the at least one electrical device.
 52. The method ofinstalling a convertible electrical device cover of claim 51, whereinthe step of removing the at least one removable tab further comprisesforming at least one access opening that is configured to accommodatethe at least one electrical device.
 53. The method of installing aconvertible electrical device cover of claim 47, wherein the methodfurther comprises the step of utilizing an engaging mechanism toremovably couple a front side of the adapter plate to a rear side of thebase plate so that at least one front face of the at least oneelectrical device is held in at least a flush engagement with the frontside of the adapter plate.
 54. The method of installing a convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 53, wherein the step of utilizing anengaging mechanism further comprises positioning the adapter plate toaccommodate the at least one electrical device positioned in a pluralityof orientations.
 55. A method of installing a convertible electricaldevice cover, the method comprising the steps of: removing at least oneremovable tab of a base plate that is configured to accommodate at leastone electrical device, thereby forming at least one access opening thatis configured to accommodate the at least one electrical device; andutilizing an engaging mechanism to removably couple a front side of anadapter plate that is configured to accommodate the at least oneelectrical device to a rear side of the base plate so that the adapterplate is located between the at least one electrical device and the rearside of the base plate when the convertible electrical device cover isplaced in an operative position over the at least one electrical device,and so that at least one front face of the at least one electricaldevice is held in at least a flush engagement with the front side of theadapter plate.
 56. The method of installing a convertible electricaldevice cover of claim 55, wherein the step of removing at least oneremovable tab of a base plate comprises removing one center removabletab and four corner removable tabs forming part of a pair of accessopenings that are configured to accommodate a duplex electrical outlet,thereby forming a substantially rectangular access opening that isconfigured to accommodate a ground fault current interrupter outlet. 57.The method of installing a convertible electrical device cover of claim56, wherein the step of removing one center removable tab and fourcorner removable tabs further comprises removing a pair of removabletabs, thereby forming the pair of access openings.
 58. The method ofinstalling a convertible electrical device cover of claim 56, whereinthe step of removing one center removable tab and four corner removabletabs further comprises removing two flanking removable tabs forming partof the pair of access openings, thereby forming a larger access opening.59. The method of installing a convertible electrical device cover ofclaim 58, further comprising the step of abutting the adapter plate tothe base plate on all sides of the larger access opening.
 60. The methodof installing a convertible electrical device cover of claim 55, whereinthe method further comprises the step of removing at least one removabletab of the adapter plate, thereby forming at least one access openingthat is configured to accommodate the at least one electrical device.61. The method of installing a convertible electrical device cover ofclaim 60, wherein the step of removing at least one removable tab of theadapter plate comprises: removing one center removable tab and fourcorner removable tabs forming part of a pair of access openings that areconfigured to accommodate a duplex electrical outlet, thereby forming asubstantially rectangular access opening that is configured toaccommodate a ground fault current interrupter outlet.
 62. The method ofinstalling a convertible electrical device cover of claim 61, whereinthe step of removing one center removable tab and four corner removabletabs further comprises removing a pair of removable tabs, therebyforming the pair of access openings.
 63. The method of installing aconvertible electrical device cover of claim 60, wherein the step ofremoving at least one removable tab of the adapter plate comprises:removing a substantially circular removable tab forming an accessopening configured to accommodate a toggle switch, thereby forming asubstantially circular access opening that is configured to accommodatea round outlet.
 64. The method of installing a convertible electricaldevice cover of claim 63, wherein the step of removing a substantiallycircular removable tab further comprises removing a removable tab,thereby forming the access opening that is configured to accommodate thetoggle switch.
 65. The method of installing a convertible electricaldevice cover of claim 63, wherein the step of removing a substantiallycircular removable tab further comprises removing at least onesubstantially annular removable tab encompassing at least a portion ofthe substantially circular removable tab, thereby forming at least onelarger substantially circular access opening that is configured toaccommodate at least one larger round outlet.
 66. A method of installinga convertible electrical device cover, the method comprising the stepsof: removing at least one removable tab of a base plate that isconfigured to accommodate at least one electrical device, therebyconverting the base plate to accommodate the at least one electricaldevice; removing at least one removable tab of an adapter plate that isconfigured to accommodate at least one electrical device, therebyconverting the adapter plate to accommodate the at least one electricaldevice; and placing the convertible electrical device cover in anoperative position over at least one electrical device so as to locatethe base plate between the at least one electrical device and a rearside of the adapter plate.
 67. The method of installing a convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 66, wherein the step of removing the atleast one removable tab of the base plate further comprises forming atleast one access opening that is configured to accommodate the at leastone electrical device.
 68. The method of installing a convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 66, wherein the step of placing theconvertible electrical device cover further comprises holding at leastone front face of the at least one electrical device at least flush witha front side of the adapter plate.
 69. The method of installing aconvertible electrical device cover of claim 66, wherein the step ofremoving the at least one removable tab of the adapter plate furthercomprises forming at least one access opening that is configured toaccommodate the at least one electrical device.
 70. The method ofinstalling a convertible electrical device cover of claim 66, whereinthe method further comprises the step of utilizing an engaging mechanismto removably couple a rear side of the adapter plate to a front side ofthe base plate so that at least one front face of the at least oneelectrical device is held in at least a flush engagement with the frontside of the adapter plate.
 71. The method of installing a convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 70, wherein the step of utilizing anengaging mechanism further comprises positioning the adapter plate toaccommodate the at least one electrical device positioned in a pluralityof orientations.
 72. A method of installing a convertible electricaldevice cover, the method comprising the steps of: removing at least oneremovable tab of a base plate that is configured to accommodate at leastone electrical device, thereby forming at least one access opening thatis configured to accommodate the at least one electrical device;removing at least one removable tab of an adapter plate that isconfigured to accommodate at least one electrical device, therebyforming at least one access opening that is configured to accommodatethe at least one electrical device; and utilizing an engaging mechanismto removably couple a rear side of the adapter plate to a front side ofthe base plate so that the base plate is located between the at leastone electrical device and the rear side of the adapter plate when theconvertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative positionover the at least one electrical device, and so that at least one frontface of the at least one electrical device is held in at least a flushengagement with the front side of the adapter plate.
 73. The method ofinstalling a convertible electrical device cover of claim 72, whereinthe step of removing at least one removable tab of a base platecomprises removing one center removable tab and four corner removabletabs forming part of a pair of access openings that are configured toaccommodate a duplex electrical outlet, thereby forming a substantiallyrectangular access opening that is configured to accommodate a groundfault current interrupter outlet.
 74. The method of installing aconvertible electrical device cover of claim 73, wherein the step ofremoving one center removable tab and four corner removable tabs furthercomprises removing a pair of removable tabs, thereby forming the pair ofaccess openings.
 75. The method of installing a convertible electricaldevice cover of claim 73, wherein the step of removing one centerremovable tab and four corner removable tabs further comprises removingtwo flanking removable tabs forming part of the pair of access openings,thereby forming a larger access opening.
 76. The method of installing aconvertible electrical device cover of claim 75, further comprising thestep of abutting the adapter plate to the base plate on all sides of thelarger access opening.
 77. The method of installing a convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 72, wherein the step of removing atleast one removable tab of the adapter plate comprises: removing onecenter removable tab and four corner removable tabs forming part of apair of access openings that are configured to accommodate a duplexelectrical outlet, thereby forming a substantially rectangular accessopening that is configured to accommodate a ground fault currentinterrupter outlet.
 78. The method of installing a convertibleelectrical device cover of claim 77, wherein the step of removing onecenter removable tab and four corner removable tabs further comprisesremoving a pair of removable tabs, thereby forming the pair of accessopenings.
 79. The method of installing a convertible electrical devicecover of claim 72, wherein the step of removing at least one removabletab of the adapter plate comprises: removing a substantially circularremovable tab forming an access opening configured to accommodate atoggle switch, thereby forming a substantially circular access openingthat is configured to accommodate a round outlet.
 80. The method ofinstalling a convertible electrical device cover of claim 79, whereinthe step of removing a substantially circular removable tab furthercomprises removing a removable tab, thereby forming the access openingthat is configured to accommodate the toggle switch.
 81. The method ofinstalling a convertible electrical device cover of claim 80, whereinthe step of removing a substantially circular removable tab furthercomprises removing at least one substantially annular removable tabencompassing at least a portion of the substantially circular removabletab, thereby forming at least one larger substantially circular accessopening that is configured to accommodate at least one larger roundoutlet.